TWRP v3.1.0 is now Rolling out with Support for ADB Backup, A/B OTA Zips, and More

About two weeks ago, we were informed that the next version of TWRP would bring support for backing up files directly to your PC through a feature known as ADB backup. We were told that this version of TWRP would be labeled version 3.1.0 and would roll out sometime soon. That time is now. Version 3.1.0 is rolling out with the aforementioned ADB Backup feature along with a couple of noteworthy fixes.

In particular, the update brings support for flashing alpha/beta OTA update zips through the recovery. Currently, this would only be useful for users on the Google Pixel or Pixel XL, but as more devices begin shipping with Android 7.1 and the A/B partition scheme, more users can take advantage of this feature. Owners of certain HTC phones, though, can now rejoice as the update brings better support for decrypting the data partition on some phones.

Another major fix to note is that TWRP will no longer wipe the data of certain applications that are set up for the Direct Boot feature, a bug which some users noticed when attempting to backup and restore their favorite messaging apps only to find that all of their messages were missing. Without going into too much detail, the gist of this problem is that applications set up for the Direct Boot feature make use of Device Encrypted (DE) storage rather than Credential Encrypted (CE) storage. Android 7.0 began adding certain extended attributes (xattr) to the data folders of apps stored under DE storage, but backups made via TWRP were not saving these xattrs prior to this update. Hence when a user attempts to restore the data folders from backups missing these xattrs, Android would instead delete the entire data folder.

Finally, one other change we would like to point out is that TWRP will now ask you to install the official app before rebooting. This request, which can be disabled permanently if declined, is a way for users to keep TWRP up to date on their device and to support the awesome team behind the recovery. If you haven’t already, check out their app on the Play Store!

There are some other changes that we didn’t mention, but you can look through a summary of the (massive) change-log for this update below.

TWRP v3.1.0 Change-log

vold decrypt on a few select HTC devices, TWRP will now attempt to use the system partition’s vold and vdc binaries and libraries to decrypt the data partition (nkk71 and CaptainThrowback)

adb backup to stream a backup directly to or from your PC, see documentation here: https://github.com/omnirom/android_bootable_recovery/commit/ce8f83c48d200106ff61ad530c863b15c16949d9 (bigbiff)

tweak MTP startup routines (mdmower)

support new Android 7.x xattrs for backup and restore to fix loss of data after a restore (Dees_Troy)

support POSIX file capabilities backup and restore to fix VoLTE on HTC devices and possibly other issues (Dees_Troy)

better indicate to users that internal storage is not backed up (Dees_Troy)

improve automatic determination of TW_THEME (mdmower)

minimal getcap and setcap support (_that)

try mounting both ext4 and f2fs during decrypt (jcadduono and Dees_Troy)

shut off backlight with power key (mdmower)

timeout during FDE decrypt (Dees_Troy and nkk71)

support for FBE decrypt and backing up and restoring FBE policies (Dees_Troy)

boot slot support (Dees_Troy)

TWRP app install prompt during reboot (Dees_Troy)

support for AB OTA zips (Dees_Troy)

support new Android 7.x log command (Dees_Troy)

update recovery sources to AOSP 7.1 (Dees_Troy)

numerous bugfixes and improvements by too many people to mention

Otherwise, you can track the progress of the TWRP build for your device here or see if the latest build is already available for your device here. Enjoy the update, and be sure to contribute to the project in whatever way you can, as TWRP is entirely a community-run, volunteer effort by a handful of awesome developers.

About Author

Long-time Android enthusiast starting from all the way back to the Sprint HTC Hero. Partial to the Nexus line, but open to try anything with Android on it. XDA's resident master of everything Tasker.
Please direct media inquiries to mishaal@xda-developers.com

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